Pathanamthitta, a hilly terrain of pristine beauty is popular as the headquarters of pilgrim worship in Kerala. More than fifty per cent of the total area of the land of temple, rivers, mountain ranges and coconut groves is covered by forest. The district is frequented by visitor from India and abroad often for its water fiestas, religious shrine and the cultural training centre. Pathanamthitta is bordered by the Western Ghats on the east, Kollam district on the south, Alappuzha district on the west and Kottayam and Idukki districts on the north.

Location :

Pathanamthitta is around 30 km south-east of Chengannur.

Access :

Air : Nearest - Cochin Airport ( 152 Km) Thiruvananthapuram -236 Km
Rail :Chengannoor - 16 Km and Thiruvalla -26 Km are nearest railway stations..
Road : Linked to all parts of the country.
Local : Taxi, Buses,Auto etc..

History :

It is presumed that the regions presently under the district were formerly under the Pandalam reign which had connections with the Pandya Kingdom. Pathanamthitta now includes portions of the erstwhile Kollam Alappuzha and Idukki districts. Pathanamthitta, Adoor, Ranni, Konni and Kozhencherry are some of the important places taken from Kollam district, whereas Thiruvalla and Mallappally are the major places taken from Alappuzha district.

Climate:

Tropical humid, Cool and pleasant in the High Ranges and the Cardamom Hills.

Sabarimala One of the most famous pilgrim centres in India, Sabarimala is situated on the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats Sabarimala is surrounded by hazardous hills like Karimala and Neelimala. Men of all ages are allowed inside the temple but women only below 10 years and above 50 years of age are permitted inside.

Fairs and Festivals :
Aranmula Vallmakali (Boat Race) : Aranmula Vallamkali, the water fiesta of Aranmula during Onam (September), owes its origin to the Sree Parthasarathy Temple.The Commencement of the event is marked by the snake boat race in the afternoon.

Maramadimatsaram (Ox Race) : This Ox race is held at Ananthapally 15 minutes drive from Adoor on the Pathanamthitta road. This race is held as part of the largest annual agricultural and cattle fair in the region in August.

Maramon Convention :Maramon is about 16km east of Thiruvalla. It is held during the month of February on the banks of the river Pamba. Christians arrive with cadjan leaves and bamboo poles and erect a huge 'pandal'.

Konni (Agricultural Region) : 11 kms from Pathanamthitta, an agricultural region, Konni is rich in cash crops like rubber, pepper, coffee, ginger etc. IT is also used as a centre for training elephants.

Mannadi (folk Art Centre) : This is where Veluthampi Dalawa, the renowned freedom fighter of Travancore, spent his last days. The ancient Bhagavathy Temple here contains some interesting stone sculptures. Mannadi is also the venue of the Kerala Institute of Folklore and Folk Arts.

Muloor Smarakam (Memorial) : The memorial to Muloor, a renowned reformer and poet, is located at Elavumthitta.

Omallur (Cattle fair) : The Rakthakanta Swamy Temple and the annual cattle fair held in the Malayalam month of 'Meenam' are the main attractions of Omallur. People from all around Kerala and also many other states participate in the fair.

Charalkunnu Hill station : The picturesque hill station offers a panoramic view of the nearby valleys. A camp house on the hill provides comfortable lodging.

Perumthenaruvi : Perumthenaruvi is a famous waterfall on the banks of the River Pamba. Here, the water flows down a rocky bed into a ravine 60 to 100 feet deep. The place is a favourite picnic spot for both domestic and foreign tourists.

Vijana Kala Vedi Cultural Centre : Louba Schild, a French scholar under the Indo-French Cultural Exchange Programme, who started this centre with UNESCO support, founded this famous cultural centre.The centre offers residential training courses, in Kerala's traditional arts & crafts like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam, Kalaripayattu, Music, wood carving etc

Kakki Reservoir : Tigers, elephants and monkeys can be sighted in the forest surrounding the reservoir.

River Pamba : This is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala, the famous pilgrim centre. It is also known as 'Thriveni Sangamam', the meeting point of three rivers.

Rivers :

Three important rivers flow through this district. They are Pampa, Achankovil and Manimala rivers.